Politics & Government

No Mandatory Evacuations Ordered in Berkeley for Now

Voluntary evacuations in South Seaside Park, Pelican Island, waterfront communities still suggested, police say

As of noon, there no mandatory evacuation orders for any section of Berkeley Township, although that could change, depending on the storm, Detective Sgt. James J. Smith said.

"It's all voluntary," Smith said.

Mayor Jason J. Varano and Police Chief Karin T. DiMichele yesterday strongly urged all visitors and residents in South Seaside Park, Pelican Island, the bay and lagoon sections of the township and along the Toms River to voluntarily evacuate.

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But Smith stressed there could still be mandatory evacuations ordered before Hurricane Irene hits.

"That doesn't mean it's not going to change later," he said.

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Berkeley officials will be at a 2 p.m. press conference at the Ocean County Office of Emergency Management headquarters at Robert J. Miller Airpark.

Come back to Berkeley Patch later for more information after the press conference.


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